obbligato

• Nom désignant une partie musicale obligée, c'est-à-dire nécessaire et bien que subordonnée, qui doit être exécutée telle quelle, sans improvisation ni omission; par extension, un accompagnement ou un motif insistant mais secondaire.

A noun referring to a persistent but subordinate musical motif, or a part of a score that must be performed without change or omission.

1. Persistent subordinate motifC2formalart

   A persistent but subordinate musical motif or accompaniment that is integral to the piece.

   Obbligato

   • The violin obbligato wove through the aria beautifully.
   • The composer wrote a delicate obbligato for the flute.
   • The obbligato part added depth to the main melody.

2. Mandatory musical partC2formalart

   A part of a musical score that must be performed exactly as written, without change or omission.

   Partie obligée

   • The cello obbligato is essential to the piece's structure.
   • The conductor insisted on the obbligato being played precisely.
   • In baroque music, the obbligato part is often highly ornamented.